Christmas in Idaho

I enjoyed spending a week in winter wonderland with family for Christmas this year. We have been traveling up to McCall, Idaho for over 20 years now and always have a great time there.

"The Journey" at Saddleback Church

Above are scenes at a play/concert at Saddleback Church called "The Journey"; a tremendous dramatic and musical production about the birth of Jesus which was featured in the sanctuary this week.

October 2009 Hawaii Photo Safari

We just got back from a great trip to Hawaii where I was able to photograph some surfing on the North Shore of Oahu, Diamond Head & Waikiki Beach, and the WWII Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

Saddleback Civil Forum #2

Here are some photos I took tonight at the Civil Forum on Reconciliation hosted by Rick and Kay Warren with President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda and Yale Professor Miroslav Volf in the Saddleback Church Worship Center.

"The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry" Movie Opening

Earlier today, I saw the screening of "The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry"; an inspirational Christian film based on a true story that stars Gavin MacLeod of "The Love Boat" and Robert Guillaume of "Benson" as well as a cast of great young actors. The film was written, produced and directed by Rich Christiano.

On the set of "Air Force Elite"

I had the opportunity this month to work once again with my old friend Producer/Director Paul Emami on the set of "Air Force Elite" produced by Marker Entertainment. The shoot was at the Blue Cloud Movie Ranch in Saugus. The ex-military guys playing the American soldiers said it was easy because 1) they weren't fully loaded down with their heavy equipment packs, 2) it was "only 100 degrees" compared to the even hotter temperatures they were used to fighting in and, 3) even though gun fire was audible in the scenes, they weren't actually getting shot at....... The scenes recreated a battle that took place in Afghanistan.

Life's Healing Choices Series w/ Rick Warren

As part of my work with the PICS group at Saddleback Church, on Friday evening I photographed the first meeting about the "Life's Healing Choices" series coming this fall in conjunction with the Celebrate Recovery Ministry (www.celebraterecovery.com) which was founded by John and Cheryl Baker - who are pictured in the top photo with Pastor Rick Warren (author of the book "The Purpose Driven Life").

Nashville Trip

Here are some photos taken the last few days on the trip to Nashville and surrounding areas with my daughter including: the wedding venue at the giant Opryland Hotel, Jonathan Singleton rockin' the house Friday night at the Grand Ole Opry, Mammoth Caves in Kentucky, Broadway St. where the stars are discovered in Nashville, and the full size replica of the Greek Parthenon. Nashville is known as the "Athens of the South".

Houston Trip

I was recently in Houston and attended a few baseball games, the Galveston coast, Lakewood Church etc. with my son. Shortly after we got back, he ventured off to India for two weeks with his P.E.A.C.E plan group from Saddleback Church. My daughter and I will be in Nashville next week. I'll try to post some pix when I get back to the OC.....

Make-A-Wish Cruise/American Legion Hall Breakfast

I had the opportunity on Saturday morning to photograph the July 4th Make-A-Wish Foundation (www.wish.org) cruise aboard The Eternity yacht which is given each year by Electra Cruises in Newport Beach. It was a great time with all the kids, their families, the O.C. Sherriff & Fire Dept. officers etc. We also stopped at the American Legion Hall for a huge pancake breakfast with the club members, some of our great American soldiers, presentation by the O.C. Sheriff and a lively entertainment show before heading back out into the harbor. I didn't have time yet to edit/retouch these images. But, I wanted to post them quickly so everyone could enjoy seeing them. I encourage you to check out the Make-A-Wish Foundation online too.

July 4th Fireworks